Last month I traveled to Arizona with my husband, daughter and friend to visit friends who live in Tucson. It was our third time visiting their house, and with each visit we fall more in love with Arizona.

We squeezed a lot into our trip. On our first full day we visited Tohono Chul, a botanical garden and gallery. It was rainier than expected, but we were able to wander the beautiful gardens and pop in the gift shop, too. We enjoyed a late lunch at Amelia’s, a popular Mexican restaurant. Now on our third visit to Tucson, I can confidently say the city has the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. We shared guacamole and queso with chips and, for my entrée, I opted for quesabirria. We all devoured our food and left with empty plates and full bellies.

Tohono Chul

On our second full day we visited MSA Annex, a shopping center housed in repurposed shipping containers. We did a little shopping, had drinks and sampled the popular Sonoran hot dog from Rollies. Later, my two friends and I went for a girls’ night out downtown, stopping first at REVEL Wine Bar. We each opted for wine from the by-the-glass menu and shared a charcuterie and cheese board. Afterwards, we made our way to Obon for dinner reservations. We also opted to share plates, including sushi rolls, crispy rice, bao buns and charred shishitos.

MSA Annex

On our last full day we attended a University of Arizona football game. Our friend is a professor at the college and, luckily, the home team Wildcats won! It was my first time attending a college football game, and the energy at the stadium was infectious, especially since it happened to be the homecoming game. Following the win we visited Kon Tiki, an iconic tiki bar and restaurant, open since 1963. We enjoyed classic tiki cocktails and Polynesian-inspired fare.

Our time in Tucson flew by, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit.

— Katie Skrzek, vice president and digital director